Born in Harrisonburg on January 25, 1953, he was the son of the late Allen Blaine Caplinger and Joyce Brampton Caplinger. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Daniel Caplinger and granddaughter, Caleigh Anne.
Eric is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Dennis Caplinger; his son, Nathanael C. Caplinger and his wife, Teresa; two daughters, Jennifer Claybrook and her husband, Frank, and Jessica Holder and her husband, Justin; nine grandchildren, Jordan (Tyler), Danielle, Emma, Mattie, Claire, Judah, Jaxyn, Jade and Jemma; two great-grandchildren, Harper and Arlo; his brother, Harold B. “Tim” Caplinger and his wife, Rita; his godson, Aaron Frey and his partner, Julie; his best friend, Ben Clark; and countless friends of his children who came to know and love Eric as a second father.
Eric retired from Centra, where he worked for many years as a Biomedical Equipment Technician. Gifted with his hands and naturally curious about how things worked, Eric could fix just about anything. He loved to tinker, work on projects and find a way to repair whatever needed attention.
Above all, Eric was a man of deep faith who loved the Lord with all his heart. He was a faithful and active member of Forest Community Fellowship, where he loved worshiping, serving and being part of his church family. His faith was reflected not only in his devotion to the church, but also in the way he lived his life and cared for others.
Eric and Linda also opened their home and hearts to others by serving as foster parents for 32 years. Their willingness to care for children in need was an important part of their life together and another expression of Eric’s generous spirit and love for family.
Family was at the center of Eric’s life. Lovingly known as “Pop” by his grandchildren, he was their biggest supporter and could always be counted on to attend their activities, cheer them on and take pride in everything they did. He affectionately became the chief operator of the family’s “grandkid shuttle service,” a role he gladly embraced. Nothing brought him greater joy than being surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Eric also had a unique sense of humor that brought plenty of laughter to those who knew him best. He enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved spending time in the woods hunting, although a hunting trip occasionally included a well-earned nap. He also enjoyed attending car shows, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and working with his hands.
Eric will be remembered for his strong faith, his devotion to his church and family, his one-of-a-kind sense of humor, his willingness to help others and the tremendous pride and joy he found in being “Pop.”
A service celebrating his life and faith will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Forest Community Fellowship with Pastor Jeff Whitt and Pastor Paul Dennis II officiating. Interment will follow in the Caplinger family cemetery in Criders, Virginia.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Hunters for the Hungry, www.h4hungry.org.
